Statement Responding to Murders in Paris

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Created on Friday, 09 January 2015

We express our deep sympathy with those who have lost loved ones in this latest act of terrorism. Our prayers are for those who have been murdered, injured and their families. No actions justify murder and atrocity and we are appalled by this callous act of hatred and inhumanity.

Both of our traditions stand completely against this, urging those who will listen and follow the messages of Christianity and Islam not to kill. Very sadly there has been much killing by those who mistakenly use religion to excuse hateful and murderous actions. We utterly condemn any and all so-called religious violence, as we have done on too many previous occasions, highlighting the lack of religious justification in this statement.

There is also no excuse for attacks of any kind on those who make use of the principle of free speech, including when it is offensive. Neither of our religions stands against free speech, rather opposing freedom of speech is a characteristic of extremism and terrorism.

We highlight again statements by our partners expressing deep sadness and condemning these actions: